Devils Make Surprising Minor Coaching Change, Fire Winless AHL Coach

On Wednesday, the New Jersey Devils announced that Kevin Dineen, the head coach of the organization’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Utica Comets, was relieved of his duties. In a corresponding move, the Devils named assistant coach Ryan Parent as Interim Head Coach for the rest of the 2024-25 season.

General Manager Tom Fitzgerald and Comets GM Dan Mackinnon made the joint decision.

“Unfortunately, after the start we had to this season, the organization felt it was time to make a change while the season is still young,” said MacKinnon. “We thank Kevin for his time with Utica and wish him and his family all the best moving forward.”

“In his seven years with our AHL affiliate, Ryan Parent has established a track record of transparently communicating with young players and teaching good habits, while drawing on his own playing experiences,” said MacKinnon. “Those characteristics will serve him well in this new role where he will need to develop, lead, and relate to players at all different stages of their pro hockey careers.”

The Comets are off to one of their worst starts in franchise history, going winless through nine games accruing an 0-9-1 record. Utica is not only last in the North Division, but are also 32nd in the AHL overall.

RELATED: It’s Time For the Devils to Make the Right Decision For Simon Nemec

Last season, the Comets finished sixth in the North Division, accruing a 32-29-5-6 record in 72 games and did not qualify for the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Dineen served as the Comets’ head coach for the last three-plus seasons. He was previously the head coach of the AHL San Diego Gulls from 2019 to 2021.

Comets interim head coach, Ryan Parent, has previous coaching experience, serving as head coach of the Lloydminster Bobcats of the AHL (2012-13) and the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL (2011-12). While with the Bobcats, Parent also served as the team’s General Manager.

The Devils have talent in the AHL they’re hoping to develop in Seamus Casey, Nico Daws, and Chase Stillman. Yet, it’s still a bit jarring to see an AHL coaching change in the middle of the season.

For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.

Follow us on 𝕏:

@NJDHockeyNow, @JamesNicholsNHL, @NickNatale10

And on Threads:

@JamesNicholsNHL